Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1186820
44 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2019 | sagaftra.org to Get the Most Out of Working Background Get a copy of SAG-AFTRA's Background Actors Contracts Digest. Richard Markman, an alternate on the Background Actors Committee, said that he will often pass out copies to new members so they can understand the protections of each contract — and understand any adjustments that they could be due during a production. When he sees new members dog-earing the booklet, he feels a sense of pride. "That to me is such a victory: I have done my job," he said. "They want to know what their rights are and what they're entitled to." Find the Background Actors Contracts Digest and a downloadable PDF at sagaftra.org/background-actors-digest. Don't address adjustments with production staff. Samantha Hartson, a member of the National and Los Angeles Background Actors committees, advised background performers to note any adjustments that they didn't receive and file with SAG-AFTRA after their work has been completed. "Don't make a production of it on set. File a claim with the union," she said. Treat background work like a job. "It doesn't matter how little the job is or how big the job is; it doesn't matter if you're just a cross, take pride in it," said Hartson. "Don't be looking to sit down as soon as you can. People are always watching you." She also advised members not to carry their phones on set and stay close during breaks in shooting. "You never know when they're going to need you," she said. Keep your headshots up to date and target your submissions. Photos that don't match your current look will annoy casting directors. Hartson and Markman both stressed that members should keep their photos current with Central Casting and L.A. Casting. "Submit for who and what you are. Be honest about your age range. If you're 60 years old, don't submit for 40 unless you actually look that age," said Markman. Bring the proper wardrobe. If you're required to bring wardrobe, bring wardrobe. Markman suggested going a step further and having multiple looks for the character available, in case the casting director doesn't like the initial selection. "The production absolutely loves that," he said. "Personally, I bring wardrobe for whatever my role may be. If you're cast as a lawyer, don't bring a pair of shorts." For the Background Actor In September, background performers attended a resource fair held at SAG-AFTRA Plaza in Los Angeles. The fair showcased exhibitors from the online casting platforms Breakdown Services and Casting Networks, The Actors Fund and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, various financial and unemployment relief services, and specialists in makeup and wardrobe. For members outside of California, reach out to your local office for more information about any assistance programs located near you. amazing group of artists." Moore made a similar shout-out during the 25th annual SAG Awards in January, telling This Is Us background performers: "Our show wouldn't be what it is without you." Bridges, too, has talked about how his longtime stand-in, Loyd Catlett, has been essential to his work, acknowledging their 50-year collaboration during his Oscars acceptance speech in 2010 and while receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2019 Golden Globes in January. SAG-AFTRA leaders have also made the working conditions of background performers a priority. Last spring, President Gabrielle Carteris made a point of visiting Central Casting, the industry's largest employment facilitator of background performers, to hear directly from members about their on-set experiences. "Background performers are our fellow actors, our fellow members and so critical to all of our shared success," she said after the visit. "We perform together and we fight for our protections and fair wages together — as one union." Ron Ostrow, chair of the National and Los Angeles Background Actors committees, said the recent attention has been a morale booster. Still, he encouraged other high-profile members to speak up, not just in public forums, but in the moment if they see something happening on set. "Background actors want it known that they look at this like a profession. This is not something that they just go and hang out and do. They know their obligations. They know how to make a scene look good," he said. Ostrow noted that while some of the 56,000 members who do background work each year do so to supplement their careers, others have dedicated themselves to the craft. "There are people who are doing this full time who are raising their families and making their benefits," he said. "They know how to bring their game to this — not just their wardrobe, props and cars."